valentine’s day

Although I don’t like receiving gifts from my husband for Valentine’s Day, I do happily receive his written words expressing love and gratitude for me. Cards, poetry, songs—when he writes his feelings down I know he’s giving me more than a piece of paper, he’s giving me his time. Taking the time to express your feelings is more meaningful and valuable than rushing to the closest shop to spend 5 minutes and $50 on flowers. It actually requires thinking. And spending time thinking about someone is the best way to show someone you care.

One year, he covered the walls of our apartment in Post-It notes. Each note expressed something about me he loved. Another year, he left little notes expressing gratitude in places throughout our apartment and car, which I continued to find months later.

If you’re looking for a free, meaningful way to express your love this Valentine’s Day, look no further. Shari’s Berries created a free printable called Alphabet of Our Love. Inside this printable book you list all the ways you love someone—be it your child, your parents, or your partner—from A to Z. It’s a unique way to demonstrate your love by spending time on your loved one. Plus, it’s a chance to be creative and give your loved one a list of ways that they are unique that they might easily forget.

And, if you like chocolate, they have that too.

Download the booklet, print it out, and surprise your loved one by reminding him or her the many ways they rock your world.